Zesty Shrimp and Shell Pasta Salad
Experience a burst of fresh flavors with our Zesty Shrimp and Shell Pasta Salad! This vibrant one-dish meal features tender small shell pasta paired with succulent cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a light and tangy yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or dinner, this salad is not only delightful to the taste buds but also packed with nutrients. Can be served cold over a bed of crisp lettuce and complemented with crusty bread for a refreshing meal any time of the year. Enjoy this satisfying dish that is quick to prepare and delicious to share!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
1.5 cups (Cooked until al dente)
cooked shrimp
8 ounces (Peeled and deveined)
celery
2 stalks (Finely chopped)
red pepper
1/2 (Diced)
frozen green peas
1/2 cup (Thawed)
onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 cup (None)
fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (None)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (None)
salt and pepper
to taste (None)
fresh dill or dried dill
2 tablespoons or 2 teaspoons (Chopped if fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the small shell pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables: finely chop the celery, dice the red pepper, and chop the onion. Thaw the frozen peas and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, chopped celery, diced red pepper, thawed peas, and chopped onion. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the nonfat plain yogurt, fat-free mayonnaise, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are well coated.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and check for seasoning. If desired, serve it on a bed of fresh lettuce and enjoy with slices of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Shrimp and Shell Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant one-dish meal featuring tender small shell pasta, succulent cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a light, tangy yogurt dressing.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of small shell pasta cooked until al dente.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of cooked shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes finely chopped celery, diced red pepper, thawed frozen green peas, and chopped onion.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from nonfat plain yogurt, fat-free mayonnaise, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and dill.
Is this shrimp pasta salad healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy recipe using nonfat yogurt and fat-free mayonnaise, packed with nutrients and fresh vegetables.
How long does the pasta salad need to refrigerate?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill or 2 teaspoons of dried dill.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and help it cool.
How do I prepare the frozen peas?
The frozen green peas should be thawed before being added to the pasta mixture.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It is best served cold, optionally on a bed of fresh lettuce with slices of crusty bread on the side.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
The recipe requires 2 stalks of finely chopped celery.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
One tablespoon of red wine vinegar is used to add tanginess to the dressing.
Is the shrimp in this recipe raw or cooked?
The recipe specifies using 8 ounces of already cooked shrimp.
How much lemon juice is added to the salad?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What size should the red pepper be cut?
The 1/2 of a red pepper used in the recipe should be diced.
How much onion should I add?
Add 1/4 cup of chopped onion to the salad.
Does the recipe include mayonnaise?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of fat-free mayonnaise as part of the creamy dressing.
How many ingredients are in the Zesty Shrimp and Shell Pasta Salad?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is this a good recipe for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or dinner because it is a refreshing one-dish meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is an ideal make-ahead dish.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is light and tangy, providing a creamy coating without being overly heavy.
Is the red pepper cooked or raw?
The red pepper is used raw and diced to provide a crisp texture to the salad.
Can this salad be served warm?
The recipe is designed to be served cold after being chilled in the refrigerator.
How much yogurt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt.
What kind of pasta shape is recommended?
Small shell pasta is specifically recommended for this recipe.
How do you ensure the flavors are well-distributed?
Gently toss the pasta and shrimp first, then whisk the dressing separately before pouring it over and stirring until coated.
Is salt and pepper included in the dressing?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the dressing mixture to taste.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shrimp salad, pasta salad, light meal, healthy recipe, seafood salad, summer salad, and one dish meal.
Is the shrimp peeled before adding to the salad?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being mixed into the salad.